After college, Mahal moved to Los Angeles and formed the group Rising Sons with Ry Cooder in 1964. The group signed with Columbia Records and released one single and recorded another album which was not released by Columbia until 1992. Taj, frustrated with the mixed reaction to his music quit the group and went solo. Still with Columbia, he released a well received, self titled album in 1968, and based on its success released a second album, Natch'l Blues that same year. Two very different records - Giant Step, with his electric band, and solo De Ole Folks at Home - were released in 1969 together as a double album. This firmly established Taj as an American blues original. The double album The Real Thing, captured him live at this time, with a horn section.
He has received two Grammy awards in the category "Best Contemporary Blues Album", the first in 1997 for Señor Blues, and again in 2000 for Shoutin' in Key. He has performed on various film soundtracks including Sounder and Blues Brothers 2000, in which he also appeared.
Dark Angel
Taj Mahal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna find it in the heaven, where a peep cracking in my eyes,
Hundred ghosts surround me, a hooded figure walk across the sky
Many people see her, when they think the death is near
Well, I walk with my protects, I know just why I′m here
There is no good in fearing her, 'cause we all gonna die some day
("Some da-a-a-y...")
Ain′t no need to worry, baby, I'll come to you some day
But I stay for a while in this bleeding beauty, there's hold nothing to be free
And the sky is like nature warmer, this is how to be
There is no good in fearing her, ′cause we all gonna die some day
("Some da-a-a-y...")
/Bridge/
Gonna find it in the heaven, where a peep cracking in my eye
Hundred ghosts surround me, a hooded figure walk across the sky
Many people see her, when they think the death is near
I walk with my protects, ′cause I know just why I'm here
There is no good in fearing her, ′cause we're all gonna die some day
("Some da-a-a-y...")
/Ending /
We′re gonna die some day
You're gonna die some day
They′re gonna die some day
All gonna die some day
We're gonna die some day
You're gonna die some day
They′re gonna die some day
All gonna die some day
In Taj Mahal's song Dark Angel, the lyrics speak to a person's acceptance of death and the afterlife. The singer speaks of finding peace and tranquility in death, rather than fearing it. The lyrics suggest that the Grim Reaper is not something to be feared, especially when one is at peace with the knowledge that death is inevitable. The first part of the song is reflective, as the singer imagines his soul ascending to heaven, where he encounters the many ghosts that have preceded him. The singer finds no need to fear the hooded figure that walks across the sky, as it is just a symbol of the end of life.
In the second verse, the singer seems to be addressing a loved one, reassuring them that there is no need to worry about his passing as he will come to them someday. The singer also reflects on the beauty of the world and the warmth of the sky, which seems to be his version of heaven. The bridge repeats the first verse's theme of the afterlife and suggests that one should not fear it, as there are protectors and guides to help one navigate death. Finally, the song ends with the singer stating that we all will die someday, implying that it is a universal experience that no one can escape.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah!
The singer is excited or expressing agreement/agreement about something.
Gonna find it in the heaven, where a peep cracking in my eyes,
The singer will look for something in heaven when they see a small opening or crack in the sky.
Hundred ghosts surround me, a hooded figure walk across the sky
The singer sees many spirits around them, and a hooded figure walking through the sky.
Many people see her, when they think the death is near
Others see the same hooded figure when they believe they are close to death.
Well, I walk with my protects, I know just why I′m here
The artist feels protected and knows their purpose in life.
There is no good in fearing her, 'cause we all gonna die some day
The singer believes there's no point in fearing the hooded figure because everyone will eventually die.
Though I know you want me, seduce me on the way
The singer is being tempted by something they desire.
Ain′t no need to worry, baby, I'll come to you some day
The artist assures someone they desire that they will come to them eventually.
But I stay for a while in this bleeding beauty, there's hold nothing to be free
The artist will stay in a painful situation, unable to escape because of the beauty of it.
And the sky is like nature warmer, this is how to be
The sky is a warm and inviting natural environment to be in.
/Bridge/
Musical interlude.
/Ending /
Musical outro.
We′re gonna die some day
Everyone will eventually die.
You're gonna die some day
The person the singer is addressing will eventually die.
They′re gonna die some day
Others will eventually die.
All gonna die some day
Everybody will eventually die.
We're gonna die some day
Everyone will eventually die.
You're gonna die some day
The person the singer is addressing will eventually die.
They′re gonna die some day
Others will eventually die.
All gonna die some day
Everybody will eventually die.
Writer(s): Martin J. Grebb, Steven F. Seagal
Contributed by Isaiah W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.